don't see how this would be an advantage. the complexity and power requirements outweigh a simple thruster system.
Even you cannot make such a blanket statement with confidence.Plus it normalizes the complexity of “a simple thruster system” with its valves, and igniters and so on. These are well developed, but not “simple”.We are seeing many chemical and mechanical and hydraulic subsystems replaced by electronic and electromechanical ones, particularly as reusability and mission durations increase.Not to say it’s preferred today.It’s just too early to rule it out categorically.
Magnetism could be combined with surface tension, to make the oxygen more likely to stick to the surface in the first place.As for thrusters, there are situations where you may not want to use them, like for example in propellant depots where you may want to be able to transfer propellant (slowly) without subjecting the docking connector to stress by accelerating two large spacecraft
Quote from: Nilof on 08/09/2023 02:01 pmMagnetism could be combined with surface tension, to make the oxygen more likely to stick to the surface in the first place.As for thrusters, there are situations where you may not want to use them, like for example in propellant depots where you may want to be able to transfer propellant (slowly) without subjecting the docking connector to stress by accelerating two large spacecraftI can think of few propellant transfer scenarios where settling thrust would not be desirable, and those involve bladdered tanks that would not require PMDs in the first place.
Quote from: edzieba on 08/09/2023 03:40 pmQuote from: Nilof on 08/09/2023 02:01 pmMagnetism could be combined with surface tension, to make the oxygen more likely to stick to the surface in the first place.As for thrusters, there are situations where you may not want to use them, like for example in propellant depots where you may want to be able to transfer propellant (slowly) without subjecting the docking connector to stress by accelerating two large spacecraftI can think of few propellant transfer scenarios where settling thrust would not be desirable, and those involve bladdered tanks that would not require PMDs in the first place. Bladders are usually not use with cryogens
Liquid Oxygen is (para)magnetic. Could this be used to passively make propellant settle near the propellant inlets in zero g?